Happy Little Stampers, ATC Challenge, Die Cuts

I'm over on the Happy Little Stampers challenge blog today with an ATC Coin that's jam packed full of layers and texture.







Here's how it was made...


Using the Tim Holtz CLOCKWORK stencil, add WHITE Texture Paste and leave to dry.

Then daub on Holtz Distress Inks in WALNUT STAIN and GROUND EXPRESSO.


Once dry, add some water splashes to tone down the ink a little...  and leave to dry (again) before gently adding the tiniest amount of WHITE acrylic paint.
 (Use the dry paint brush/stipple technique).


Cut a scrap of SILVER ribbon to size and attach as shown, (note the angled edge), then add a second piece of ribbon with a contrasting texture.  Fray the edges if desired.





Then take the largest of the dies from the Penny Black HEART CHARM set, cut out three and glue them together.

Once dry, paint with RED acrylic ink...  and once dry (yet again!) smear across a JET BLACK Stazon ink pad - going from top left to bottom right.

Add CLEAR embossing ink in exactly the same way, then Heat Set using CLEAR embossing powder.



Repeat the CLEAR embossing ink/Heat Set TWICE more, going top left to bottom right once again for the second layer...   but reversing top right to bottom left for the third.

Then add some string and glue both the Heart and the edges of the string in place as shown.



Cut out TWO smaller hearts in WHITE and spray with SILVER glitter varnish before attaching to the coin base.



Then write the word LOVE on to a scrap of the same WHITE card, cut to size and distress the edges carefully using the blade on a pair of scissors.

Spray with varnish and glue in to position.




Now comes the fun part for me as it's all looking far to neat and tidy..!


Using your finger, add on some SILVER Pēbēo Gilding Wax, then (using the dry brush/stipple technique again) gently add a small amount of BLACK acrylic paint.


Do the same with a different dry brush, only this time daub on WHITE acrylic paint with a 'heavier hand' so that it's clearly more visible.



Attach two contrasting small gems...  and you are finished!










*

I hope you have time to join us!

Here's a reminder of the rules...

1. You must create an ATC. We accept both cards and coins. You must follow the theme.

2. Link back to your blog post and not your entire blog

3. Provide a link to HLS in your blog post

4. You may enter as many times as you like but each entry must be different

5. You may enter as many other challenges as you like

6. Have fun!

CARDS -

• measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches (64 X 89 mm)

• be traded for other cards - not sold

• be flat enough to fit into a plastic trading card sleeve

COINS -

• measure 2.5 inches in diameter using heavy cardstock

• be traded for other coins - not sold

• be flat enough to fit into a plastic trading card sleeve

*

https://www.instagram.com/roominacupboard/?hl=en
Donna. 

Penny Black, Rustic Layered Scrolls Tag, Guest DT 2018

I've gone full circle with my final tag today by revisiting the bell I made for my first 

Penny Black 

Guest DT post...


It's not quite the same as it's not 3D like the first bell and I've added some rust and scratched markings
(more details on that later).

And as you can see, this time the bell is just one of several elements I've used to decorate not one, but four layered scrolls...

I've kept the inking and colours used to a bare minimum as there's already a lot of detail on this tag.

Here's how it was made...




*


Cut out all of the main bell pieces from Christmassy in Matt Silver card stock.


Then cut out the main body of the tag again in White card and the tiny top and bottom ends of the bell in Metallic Copper (see photo)....  and leave to one side for now.




Using Ranger/Perfect Medium, stamp Winter Branches on to the silver body of the bell in small sections, heat embossing the first layer in Ranger/White Embossing Powder and the second layer in Holtz/Distress Embossing Powder (Walnut Stain).



Using a small piece of sanding paper, lightly sand the inner section of the bell on a diagonal (the piece the looks like a skinny oval with pointed ends). 

Then add some more Ranger/Perfect Medium along a small section of the edge (see photo) and more Holtz/Distress Embossing Powder (Walnut Stain) to create the illusion of rust.



Do the same to the main body of the bell, using the photo above as a guide.




Once cool and dry, assemble the bell as pictured - remembering to add the White bell layer underneath the bell and the brown top and bottom pieces of the die to the front...   and add a touch of Ranger/Stickles (Frosted Lace).


Then glue on a bow, cut from a Warm Gray card stock using Wreath Noel.



*



The Paper Scroll that the bell is wrapped around is the medium one out of set the three.

Cut 2 from White card stock and leave one to one side, inking the other with a gentle application of the following Holtz/Distress inks:


Stormy Sky
Broken China
Iced Spruce



Then, add the Enjoy The Wonder Of The Season sentiment using Tsukineko (Expresso Truffle) and the bird from Nature's Gifts - which has also been stamped in Tsukineko (Expresso Truffle) before being cut out and glued on.




 Next, cut out 2 more Bell 'top ends' (the hanging loops) from Silver card, glue those together and attach to the back of the inked up scroll...

... and add the White/blank Scroll layer underneath to reinforce strength.




Now simply attach some twine through the Bell loop first and the Scroll loop second...  and keeping the twine in position glue on the Bell.



Then add more Ranger/Stickles (Frosted Lace) to the Scroll and attach the Small Sprig from Christmassy - after inking it up with the following Holtz/Distress colours:




Mowed Lawn
Forest Moss





And finally (for now), add some foam pads to the back of the Scroll and leave to one side...


*



Cut out 2 more of the medium sized Scrolls and 4 of the largest size.

Glue together so that you have one more reinforced medium Scroll and two reinforced largest, then using a paint brush add some detail over the stitched side areas using the same
3 Tim Holtz/Distress colours as before:



Stormy Sky
Broken China
Iced Spruce

...  and leave these to one side to dry.

Cut out the Snowflake from Crystalline using Silver card stock for the top layer and White card stock for underneath...  and glue these two layers together.



Now cut out the Snowflake from Christmassy.
(Just like my last tag, I've actually used the inner tube section from a finished Kitchen Towel/Kitchen Roll for my Snowflake).

Then cut a second Snowflake from White card and glue it underneath, as once again you are reinforcing layers.




Now cut 3 Sprigs from Mitten Stocking, and ink them up using the following Distress colours:





Walnut Stain
Ground Expresso
Frayed Burlap


...  and once again, leave them to one side to dry.




Using just Versafine (Smokey Gray), stamp and cut out one Holly Leaf, a Berry Sprig and one single Berry from Cheerful Christmas, and cut them out.




*



Now comes the assembly line part...




Take the backings off the foam pads on the medium Scroll that's entwined with the bell, and attach it as shown to one of the largest Scroll pieces.


Add the Sprigs...

...  then the stamped and cut pieces (Holly and Berries)...




...  and then add the largest Snowflake from behind the Scroll at a slightly jaunty angle. 



Once that's all dry...





Add the next layer - the other largest Scroll...

...  and glue on the Snowflake.




And finally, add the last of the Scrolls (medium) into position.





Your finishing touches are to add some gems, a twine bow and some Ranger/Texture Paste.





*


And now comes a decision...

If you want to use this as an XL tag I would suggest cutting one more of the largest Scroll pieces out and gluing it from behind so that it runs parallel with the largest tag at the front.


OR



You could choose to stick this (just as it is) to a card base.






You see, I'm a great believer that tags have more uses than just as decoration for gifts or gift bags.

I think they can be just perfect as the focal point on a card, too!



*

Supplies used:

Penny Black/Dies

51-453      Christmassy
51-458     Paper Scroll
51-467     Wreath Noel
51-476     Crystalline

51-465     Mitten Stocking

Penny Black/Stamps

       40-637      Winter Branches
40-642     Cheerful Christmas

30-504     Christmas Sentiments
30-251     Nature's Gifts




*

I have so enjoyed the challenge of showing you just how versatile these beautiful stamps and dies can be.  

And I do so hope that I've inspired you in some small way.

Here's the link just one last time...

Click 'Here'

to see for yourself the Penny Black 2018 Christmas release.

I believe they have a 'Part 2' due out on 10th October!

So why not stop by at their blog for another fabulous reveal.

I've seen the sneak peaks already!

*


Donna. x

Penny Black, XL Decorated Scroll Tag, Guest DT 2018

If you saw my last Penny Black post you will see that I'm building on my theme of adding layers and texture with this XL tag today...  and the beauty of it is, if you don't want/need the full size tag I've given you the option of just going with the round, smaller tag.

Two ideas in one!

This is my penultimate Winter/Christmas themed tag that I've designed as part of my Guest DT for Penny Black...

I do hope you've had the time to see their full 2018 Christmas release, but if not, please click on one of the two links above as it will take you straight to their online catalogue...

Here's my XL tag for today...

Now you may be wondering just why on earth you might need an XL tag, so here's a few ideas to get you started...

You've bought a BIG gift...  and a little tag would just be too small!

You've got lots to write and catch up on - and there wasn't enough room in the card or you forgot and you've already sealed it.

You want to add a photo to the back.

You want to use this tag to attach a gift card to.  

(Pretty tag.  Not so pretty gift card in envelope.  Attach the envelope to the back and seal it.  Problem solved).

Same idea as above, but this time it's actual money in the envelope.

And I'm sure there are many more ideas!

Below you'll see the step by step - divided into sections...

*

Let's start with that Robin...

Stamp Robin's Christmas in Versafine (Smokey Gray).

(You will need to stamp it twice, as Robin will be cut out of one to add dimension).  

Whether you cut before you colour or colour before you cut - that is entirely up to you.

I tend to favour cut before colouring simply because I hate the idea of putting all that effort into my water colouring, only to have my hand slip whilst cutting out.

With that in mind, cut out the Robin and then water colour using the following 

Tim Holtz/Distress inks:

Festive Berries

Aged Mahogany

Ground Expresso

Hickory Smoke

Add a layer of Ranger/Distress Collage Medium - Matt, and once dry glue on a tiny Black gem for the eye.

Then either turn Robin around and draw around the back of it on to a scrap piece of card 

and cut it out 

OR

Cut out a small circle (smaller than the robin) from scrap card.

Whichever you choose, glue this to the back of Robin so that it will have more dimension when attached to the tag.

*

Robin's background is a circle cut out from Robin's Christmas that has been very lightly colour washed using Holtz/Distress ink (Iced Spruce).

Cut out 3 sets of Holly Leaves from Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out, cut those apart and then colour using Holtz/Distress ink (Forest Moss).

Then glue Robin into position, add the Holly Leaves around the outside edge and trim off any excess foliage.

Add an edge/narrow frame cut from silver card stock, and then cut out 3 of the word 'Christmas' from the Holiday Edgers die cut set.

(I've cut my top layer from Warm Grey card stock and the bottom two from White scrap card).

Glue the 3 layers together, then glue into position as shown above.

If you are wanting to stop here and not proceed with making this in to an XL tag, please add another circle layer to the back for added durability.

THEN

You can either use a hole punch and make a hole for the twine 

OR

You can cut out 2 of the bell 'top parts' from Christmassy, glue those together and attach to the back of the tag before adding that second circle for extra strength.

If you are stopping here, don't forget to add the Ranger/Texture Paste now.

(Simply dip your finger in to the pot and smoosh on).

If you are not stopping here and want to proceed to the full XL tag, please wait until the end before applying the Texture Paste...

*

Die cut the largest die from Paper Scroll.

(Cut twice.  One needs to stay to one side).

Then, ink it up using the following Holtz/Distress colours:

Antique Linen

Old Paper

Pumice Stone

And once dry, glue the 2 layers together.

Next, cut a Snowflake from Crystalline and one from Christmassy.

(I've actually used the inner tube section from a finished Kitchen Towel/Kitchen Roll for my Snowflake and a small scrap of silver card for the other).  

*** (Doing my bit for the environment makes me happy)! ***

Then, cut out the longest string from Ornaments Kit... 

(I've cut mine from a Warm Grey coloured card stock)

...  and glue it on to the Scroll as shown above.

Followed by the Big Snowflake...

...  Then the Little Snowflake...

...  And finally that Circle with the Robin.

Then add Ranger/Texture Paste, Black enamel dots and punch a hole for the hanging loop.

*

You may be wondering just why I asked you to hold fire and wait until the end to add the
Texture Paste?

Truth is, I've learnt from experience that it's always better this way so that you can balance out just where you want to apply it.

*

Supplies used:

Penny Black/Stamp

40-647     Robin's Christmas

Penny Black/Dies

51-458     Paper Scroll

51-450     Ornaments Kit

51-476     Crystalline
51-453     Christmassy
51-448     Holiday edgers

51-474     Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out

*

Only one tag to go...

*

Donna. x

Penny, Black, Christmas Baubles Tag, Guest DT 2018

I'm sharing a Mixed Media tag with a Clean And Simple feel to it for my
Penny Black
Guest DT post today.

And I'm also sharing this design specifically to highlight the difference it can make when you add layers for dimension behind a die cut.

See that top bauble that lies quite flat compared to the others?

That's a die cut with no additional same shaped layer behind it.

And the one at the bottom?

That's got two white bauble layers behind.  

Two for extra strength and white to match the colour of the back of the tag.

And the corrugated cardboard bauble?

That also has two extra layers, but see how much more definition you get - especially when you double up again with a Gingerbread Man that has an additional layer behind it, too?

This is one of the things I love most about crafting.

Adding dimension always gives me a sense of achievement.

And to balance this all out, I've added die cut embossing detail into the baubles - which needs to be done prior to gluing the layers together.

So how was this tag made?

*

Firstly, cut out Tagged twice using White card stock - and put one to one side for later.
(You will need to cut this twice as one will be used to hide the thread).


Then using a Stamping Positioner Tool, colour and stamp A Berry Branch using the following Tsukineko Marker Pens:


Olive Grove
New Sprout
Cottage Ivy
Bamboo Leaves
Pistachio
Expresso Truffle
Rhubarb Stalk
Love Letter 
Lady Bug




Once dry, cover the entire tag with a layer of Ranger/Distress Collage Medium - Crazing and then leave to one side.




Next, cut out the Baubles from Ornaments Kit.



I've used the matt silver card stock from Tim Holtz/Core'dinations - Kraft-Core Metallic Collection to cut out my small and medium sized Baubles.

I've then used the Sprig from Christmassy to die emboss the small Bauble and the Holly from
Mitten Stocking to die emboss the medium - and as mentioned earlier I've then layered up the medium Bauble by gluing on a further two White die cuts to the back.




Then cut the largest Bauble, using corrugated card for the top layer and White card for the two layers that go underneath.



Add Ranger/Texture Paste to this corrugated die cut and leave to one side to dry.







Cut out two Gingerbread Men from Mitten Stocking - one from a scrap of Brown glitter card and the other from White Card.



Using the following Tim Holtz/Distress colours, ink up the White Gingerbread Man:



Spiced Marmalade
Walnut Stain
Pumice Stone
Gathered Twigs






Then glue the two Gingerbread Man layers together, coat with a layer of
Ranger/Distress Collage Medium - Matt and glue into position on the Bauble.










Using a needle and thread, attach the Baubles to the tag as shown.


Then glue on the Gingerbread Man and the word Joy from Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out.






And finally...  glue the White, blank Tagged die cut into position to hide the threads - and add
Ranger/Texture Paste as pictured above.  (Using your finger).






*

As 'messing with layers' brings me such joy, I couldn't think of a more appropriate die cut sentiment to add!

*

Supplies used:

Penny Black/Stamp

40-631     A Berry Branch

Penny Black/Dies

51-007     Tagged

51-450     Ornaments Kit

51-465     Mitten Stocking

51-453     Christmassy

51-474     Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out

*

I do hope that my 'How to' guide explained all that you need to know.

If not, please feel free to contact me.





Thanks for stopping by...



*

Donna. x

Penny Black, Bookmark/Christmas Tag, Guest DT 2018

I'm using the very pretty Bookmark die from Penny Black as the basis of my Christmas tag today...  and my theme is based around 'decorating a Christmas Tree'.

So with that in mind, here's what I came up...

All of the dies and stamps used on here are part of the Penny Black Christmas release for 2018.

Have you had a chance to see their new catalogue yet?

If not, click on the link above and it will take you straight to it. 

*

So how have I put this tag together?

After cutting out the Bookmark die, I've stamped Birches on using Holtz/Distress Oxide (Black Soot).

I've then glued on the hole reinforcer - and I've added the twine at this stage too as I don't want it looped around the candy cane.

(But if you do just add it at the end).

 Next, I've cut the longer piece of string from Ornaments Kit using a piece of warm grey card stock and glued this die cut on so that it runs roughly down the centre of the tag.

Then, leaving the tag to one side for the moment, cut out the foliage and candy cane pieces from Christmassy and Mitten Stocking, and the bow from Wreath Noel.

(I've used red and white card stock for my candy canes).

Colour these cut out pieces using the following Tim Holtz/ Distress inks:

Gingerbread Man

Spiced Marmalade

Walnut Stain

Pumice Stone

Gathered Twigs

Bow

Festive Berries

Aged Mahogany

Foliage/Sprig - Small

Mowed Lawn

Forest Moss

Foliage/Sprig - Large

Frayed Burlap

Iced Spruce

Once all of the tiny cut outs are dry, add a layer of Ranger/Distress Collage Medium - Matte to them all.

Then cut out the Gingerbread Man from the Mitten Stocking set once again, but this time using Black card stock - and glue this piece into place behind the 'inked up' Gingerbread Man. 

Using Versacraft (Real Black), stamp 'Oh What Fun' from the Christmas Sentiments set and

then Heat Set it using Ranger/Clear Embossing Powder.

 Once dry, cut the stamped sentiment into pieces so that you have 3 separate words.

Then glue everything into place on the tag
(as shown above).

And the final finishing touch..?

Dip your finger in to a pot of Ranger/Texture Paste and add just a little to the Red Bow and the Gingerbread Man.

*

Supplies used:

Penny Black/Stamps

40-636     Birches

30-504     Christmas Sentiments

Penny Black/Dies

51-465     Mitten Stocking

51-453     Christmassy

51-467     Wreath Noel

51-195     Bookmark

*

Only three more tags to go...

*

Donna. x

Penny Black, 3D Poinsettia Tag, Guest DT 2018

 I'm revisiting the gorgeous Poinsettia die - with matching stamp (sold separately) that Penny Black have recently released...

(Click here to go straight to the Penny Black 2018 Christmas catalogue).

...  only this time I've come up with a 3D option.

And as I've already made a simple red offering (see here), I thought it only fitting to change up the colours, too!

So how was this one made?

Firstly, cut out 3 Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out die shapes.

Then, using Snowflake Medley, stamp the die cuts with Ranger/Perfect Medium (or similar) and cover/heat set using Ranger/White Embossing Powder.

Once cooled down, use Holtz/Distress Ink (Walnut Stain) to stamp on Christmas Poinsettia.

(You will need to do this to all 3 stamped die cuts).

Then (using this photo as a guide) cut out this shape by hand.

(Thankfully, you've only got to do this once)!

Please do as I have suggested in the photo and scribble out the sections you won't need prior to cutting.  

It gets very confusing trying to differentiate what's what otherwise.

Once the hard part is done, colour all 3 Poinsettia pieces with Holtz/Distress Oxide (Hickory Smoke).

Then, cut and colour foliage from Mitten Stocking using the following Holtz/Distress Ink colours:

Mowed Lawn 

 Twisted Citron

Glue the Poinsettia together with the foliage, then add Ranger/Texture Paste to the centre of the 'flower'.

Once dry, add Ranger/Stickles (Icicle) to the foliage and the centre...

...  Then your twine.

And you are finished.

*

Supplies used:

Penny Black/Stamps

Christmas Poinsettia      40-649

Snowflake Medley     40-640

Penny Black/Dies

Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out      51-474

Mitten Stocking      51-465

*

Two very different style tags.

Both Poinsettia's...

Which one do you prefer, I wonder?

*

Donna. x

Penny Black, CAS Robin Tag, Guest DT 2018

I have a single, solitary robin to share with you today as I continue with my Guest DT for 

Penny Black...

This is a Clean And Simple (CAS) design, but I have still managed to sneak in a little texture!

See those berries with a touch of red acrylic paint and the texture on that gingerbread man?

Just run your die cut through the machine again using a well loved cutting plate and you'll get similar results!

To begin with, I've used the Penny Black die Tagged and cut out two die cuts that I've then glued together - simply because I like my tags to have a little durability to them.

I've then stamped Birches very lightly using Holtz/Distress ink (Hickory Smoke).

The robin was water coloured using the following Tim Holtz/Distress colours:

Ground Expresso

Hickory Smoke

Festive Berries

Aged Mahogany

Once dry, simply add a layer of Ranger/Distress Collage Medium - Matt 

(and a small black gem for the eye).

Next, die cut the Holly Sprig and colour using Holtz/Distress (Forest Moss).

Then die cut the Gingerbread Man and layer up the following Holtz/Distress colours to achieve a golden brown colour:

Spiced Marmalade

Walnut Stain

Gathered Twigs

Pumice Stone

...  and just like the robin, add a layer of Ranger/Distress Collage Medium - Matt.

  

Before you assemble the tag using the robin that you've cut and coloured you'll need to stamp it again using Tsukineko/Versafine (Smokey Gray).

(Stamp straight onto the tag so that the robin will have some legs once you've glued it into position)!

Then gauge where you would like your Holly and Gingerbread Man to hang and draw on the string using the thin end of a Holtz/Distress Marker Pen (Gathered Twigs).

Do not glue anything into position yet!

Not until the tag has had a coat of Ranger/Distress Collage Medium - Crazing added to it.

Then...

Assemble the tag as shown.

*

Supplies used:

Penny Black/Stamps

40-636     Birches

40-642     Cheerful Christmas

Penny Black/Dies

51-465     Mitten Stocking

51-007     Tagged

*

This tag somehow manages to convey a real sense of stillness and peace that I personally just adore - 

so much so that I won't be sharing this tag with anyone but me!

Click here, and perhaps you'll find a die (or a stamp or two) that cause you to make something you 

don't want to part with either!

I won't tell if you don't!

*

Donna. x

Penny Black, Noel, Guest DT 2018

I've mixed and matched a whole bunch of different ideas for today's tag - brought to you as I continue with my Guest DT for the 

Penny Black

2018 Christmas release.

Which do you notice first, I wonder?

Is it that the word 'Noel' has every element hanging off the branch above like Christmas ornaments?

Is it that I've swapped out the wreath for the 'O' in Noel in favour of a Jingle Bell?

or

Is it that the Jingle Bell looks rather like a Christmas Pudding?

I wonder...

*

I started this tag by stamping Birches in the following colours:

Tsukineko

Grey Flannel

London Fog

I used my Stamp Positioner tool to enable me to build up the layers of colour - and if you look you'll notice that I masked off the heart and then reintroduced it using Tsukineko Rhubarb Stalk, followed by Ranger/Clear Embossing Powder.

My Jingle Bells Trio uses the lowest of the bells, stamped very lightly initially using Holtz/Distress (Hickory Smoke).

With the aid of my Stamping Positioner I then used the following two colours:

Holtz/Distress

Hickory Smoke

Black Soot

and once water spritzed and dried

Delicata

White Shimmer.

Add some Ranger/Texture Paste using the Snow Dance stencil, then decorate the bell using the holly and berry die from Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out - adding red gems from your stash for the berries.

Cut out Wreath Noel twice and glue the layers of each letter together - leaving the wreath and bow to one side for a future project.

Add thin black string to each letter - and the bell...  then using a pokey tool make small holes along the top branch of your tag and thread each string through.

Glue the letters and the bell into place, then cut a second tag shape and glue it to the back - hiding the thread ends from view.

And there you have it!

*

Supplies used:

Penny Black/Stamps

40-636     Birches

40-659     Jingle Bells Trio

Penny Black/Dies

51-467     Wreath Noel

51-474     Xmas Poinsettia Cut Out

Penny Black/Stencil

25-009     Snow Dance

*

I do hope you are enjoying a little glimpse into the world of tags and that I'm being a good host to you!

If I've left any information out or if you have any questions, please do feel free to get in touch.

*

Donna. x